Road Cycling - I have $1000-1500, which bike?

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mbeebe
03-31-02, 12:10 AM
I have around $1000-1500, and I am looking for a new road bike. I am new to the sport and new to the forum. I don't know much about bikes, but I would like to get into the sport. I am looking to ride 20 miles 3 or 4 times a week. I am 6'00" and weigh 200lbs. Also, my inseam is 33". I was thinking that buying a 2001 on special would be best. If anyone knows of any really good deals on a 55-56 bike or has any other suggestions I am open to any comments. Thanks in advance.

lordkit
03-31-02, 12:01 PM
I just purchased a schwinn supersport glx on closeout from supergo.com for $749 (msrp $1300). It seems like a nice bike for the money with shimono 105 components.
John E
03-31-02, 03:00 PM
Originally posted by mbeebe
I have around $1000-1500, and I am looking for a new road bike. ... I am 6'00" and weigh 200lbs. Also, my inseam is 33". I was thinking that buying a 2001 on special would be best. If anyone knows of any really good deals on a 55-56 bike or has any other suggestions.

My comments:
1) Good price range, with several good offerings by reputable manufacturers (Trek, Bianchi, Marin, Specialized, etc. etc. etc.).
2) Looking for a leftover 2001 is definitely the right thing to do. The usual model year related automotive resale arguments do not apply here.
3) Unless it has a sloping (and very long) top tube, a 55cm frame may be too small for you. I am 5'8" tall, wear a 30" trouser inseam, and happily ride 53.5cm (C-C)/55cm (C-T) road bikes. How well the bike fits YOU is far more important than any other parameter or feature.
4) Good luck -- let us know what you get!

RonH
03-31-02, 03:22 PM
Originally posted by mbeebe
I have around $1000-1500, and I am looking for a new road bike.
Check out the selection of 2001 and 2002 models at several different bike shops. You'll have plenty of good bikes to pick from in that price range.


Originally posted by mbeebe
I am 6'00" and weigh 200lbs. Also, my inseam is 33". I was thinking that buying a 2001 on special would be best. If anyone knows of any really good deals on a 55-56 bike or has any other suggestions I am open to any comments.
I'm about the same size as you with a 30" inseam. My commuter is a 56cm and my road bike is a 57 cm. Unless I'm missing something a 55-56cm may be too small for you.

When you pick the bike you want, make sure the bike shop owner/manager does all the measurements on you so you get a bike that fits.
FIT is the most important feature of any bike!!